Is thumb surgery painful?

Thumb surgical reconstruction can be painful. You will receive a prescription for narcotic pain medicine. For the first 2-3 days, take the pain medication around the clock to stay on top of the pain control.

How long does it take to recover from thumb surgery?

That process can take up to three months, but many patients achieve full range of motion within six weeks, if not sooner. At that point, you are safe to return to your favorite activities. You can expect to regain full strength in your thumb six months after your motion has returned.

How long does a thumb operation take?

The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will make a small cut on the back of your hand at the base of your thumb, and remove the trapezium. Your surgeon may construct a ligament to connect the thumb to your wrist using a tendon that runs over the trapezium.

Is thumb surgery serious?

The Arthritis Foundation reports that while most patients who undergo this procedure experience pain relief, increased grip strength and improve function, "removal of the trapezium has been known to come with significant complications, including loss of pinch strength and thumb shortening.

What is the success rate of thumb surgery?

Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.

Debora’s story: After thumb surgery, ‘I’m pain free’

Are you put to sleep for thumb surgery?

In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.

Do you get a cast after thumb surgery?

After surgery your thumb will be immobilized in a splint for about 6 weeks (a non-removable splint will be worn for the first 10 days, and then a lighter removable splint for the remainder of the 6 weeks that can be taken off to shower and wash your hands).

When should you have thumb surgery?

If you don't respond to other treatments or if you're barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.

Can you drive after thumb tendon surgery?

Some people may never be able to move the affected finger or thumb as much as before it was damaged. In general, most people are able to: resume light activities, such as using a keyboard or writing with a pen, after 6 to 8 weeks. drive a car, motorcycle or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) after 8 to 10 weeks.

How should you sleep after thumb surgery?

Elevate your arm above your heart. The best way to do this comfortably is to lie flat on your back with your hand resting on a few pillows. Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery.

How do I prepare for thumb surgery?

What helps pain after thumb surgery?

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation. Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling. Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen/Naproxen.

When can I return to work after thumb surgery?

Moving the fingers helps assist in fluid movement of the surgical area preventing joint stiffness, pain and loss of function. You will be instructed to NOT use your hand for any work or self-care tasks for about 6 weeks depending on the type of work you are returning to.

How bad is pain after tendon surgery?

For the first few days post-surgery, you may notice pain and inflammation in the area as the body begins to heal itself. Keep the area elevated above the level of the heart to reduce pain and swelling. Weeks 3-6 you may experience stiffness but will begin to notice an increase in range of movement.

What not to do after hand surgery?

What does thumb surgery involve?

Thumb Arthroplasty Surgery

Your surgeon will make an incision on the skin over your thumb joint. He will remove part or all of your wrist bone. He may also remove part of your thumb bone. He will reconstruct your joint using cartilage, a tendon taken from your forearm, or an artificial implant.

What anesthesia is used for thumb surgery?

Intravenous regional anesthesia is commonly preferred for routine hand and wrist surgeries because it is well tolerated, safe, reliable, and has a rapid onset. Axillary block anesthesia is a technique which can also provide anesthesia to the whole arm.

Why would you need thumb surgery?

The procedure is performed in patients with advanced basilar thumb arthritis. It is intended to alleviate pain in the thumb and improve function. Pinching or grasping causes severe pain in the thumb. The joint is removed and a tendon is used to reconstruct the joint.

How bad is the pain after hand surgery?

Mild to severe pain may be expected after many types of hand surgeries. Pain medications may be given to help alleviate the discomfort.

What not to do after thumb surgery?

Avoid any heavy gripping, pulling, or pinching with the thumb until your surgeon or therapist says you may do these things. When you leave the surgery center, you should have a follow-up already 10-14 days after surgery.

What can you eat after thumb surgery?

Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein. Make sure you incorporate some into each meal to allow your bones and muscles to rebuild and help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off infection.

What is the most common complication with thumb arthroplasty?

The study included over 300 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and 10 000 patients, and found a 2.5% 30-day complication rate, with surgical site infection being the most common complication (1.1%).

What pain killer for hand surgery?

Opioids, powerful pain medications that diminish the perception of pain, may be given after surgery. Intravenous opioids may include fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone and tramadol.

What pain killer for after hand surgery?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)

Ibuprofen & Naproxen belong to a type of drug called NSAIDs and work by reducing inflammation (swelling) and pain after surgery. These drugs should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach complications.

What pain meds are given after hand surgery?